Hampton University‘s 32nd annual Black Family Conference will focus on “The Holistic Black Family: Mind, Body and Spirit.”

This year’s conference is March 17-19 and will feature discussions on black families in the areas of education, health, physical fitness and spirituality, according to the university.

Two of its events will be free and open to the public. A preconference workshop, “Let the Man Speak,” is from 9 a.m.-noon March 17. Participants will explore ways to empower young black males to succeed in school.

The second is the conference kickoff at 7 p.m. March 17 in Ogden Hall. Award-winning mentor Calvin Mackie will give the keynote speech. He is an internationally renowned motivational speaker and co-founder of Channel ZerO, an educational and motivational consulting company.

On March 18, the conference will feature a “STEM-Tastic Youth Summit” with hands-on workshops for children centered on the fields of science, technology, engineering and math. HU is partnering with NASA and the Virginia Air & Space Museum for the summit.


“The conference will be an educational health and wellness event for the entire family,” said Cassandra Herring, dean of the College of Education and Continuing Studies.

Adult sessions will run throughout the day March 18-19 that include topics such as spiritual reconciliation, social entrepreneurship and healthy marriages.

The conference ends March 19 with “Big Mama: A Salute to Grandmothers Luncheon.” Tickets are $30.

Registration: Adults, $55; Age 55+, $25; non-HU students, $10; free to HU students, faculty and staff. Special rates are available for groups of 10 or more.

For more information or to register: Call 637-2036 or 727-5584.